Vermeer 605 D baler problems

[TM4010]

For those who have one of these fine machines I have seen it all. My father bought this machine in 1976 brand new and I still use today. Much of the discussion I have read is right in line with 48 years of experience running this machine. Starting a bale starts with hay in right condition that would be square baled. Filling the chamber from one side crossing windrow to the other side then back is paramount in easy starting a bale. This helps to keep from getting a large lump which is hard to get it rolling. If every effort is made to fill the chamber evenly and it still locks up and start smoking the belts. You best clean it out & check all the rollers for free movement. A stuck bearing will prevent bales from starting even when you’re doing it all right. Plus even if the bale will roll but is dragging hard a bad bearing will get hot & catch your machine on fire. I have ejected bales on fire but never the baler thank goodness.

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to this forum
If I had to utilize a 48 yr old rd baler I'd stop rd baling. Rd balers have advanced tremendously in technology since then

 

[bob p mn]

I baled hay for many years with my 605 D, it was a good economical baler it was easy to operate and I kept it going for years. All I had at the time was open station tractors pulled it the most with a 656 Hydro great setup for round baling. We upgraded to a NH BR740a a few years ago and pulling it with a ford 7700 with an air conditioned cab, didn't know baling hay could be so pleasureable! As Tx Jim said round balers have come a long way since those old balers were built.

 

[TM4010]

I’m sure you’re correct about advancement in balers. Like most things from automobiles to computers they all have changed dramatically. But due to scale of our operation and length of time I intend to continue to operate I will probably use this one until I no longer need it. My son can make it a museum piece for future generations to see like the threshing machines and steam tractors of my grandfather’s time. A couple of days ago I read a post on governor problems in a D17 Allis gas. The pin they described connecting the fork to the carb operator shaft was my exact problem. The hole had wallowed out in the shaft. JBWELD filled the loose fit. After it cured the tractor governor preformed the best it ever has.

 

[bob p mn]

Don't get me wrong, if my son hadn't bought that newer baler I would probably still be baling with my 605 D. I had no intentions of replacing it. that baler certainly did the job, although we are selling more hay now and most buyers want the tight bales these new balers make. My old D is still in the shed I should pull it out and kick it down the road, not enough shed space to keep everything!

 

[TM4010]

Honestly my shed is full of antiques. There is even an Oliver superior grain drill back in the corner hasn’t been used in about 30 years. It might even work. You might even say I have a living history museum.